Nutrient Use Efficiency in Indian Agriculture: N 30–45%, P 15–25%, K 50–60% — Government Focuses on Balanced Use and Higher Farm Returns: Smt. Anupriya Patel

Nutrient Use Efficiency in Indian Agriculture: N 30–45%, P 15–25%, K 50–60% — Government Focuses on Balanced Use and Higher Farm Returns: Smt. Anupriya Patel

Nutrient Use Efficiency (NUE) refers to the proportion of applied fertilizer nutrients that are effectively absorbed and utilized by crops for growth and yield. NUE levels are influenced by a range of factors, including crop type, soil conditions, agro-climatic variations, fertilizer source and application methods, irrigation practices, and overall crop management. As per experimental studies conducted by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and other research institutions, NUE in India is generally estimated at 30–45% for nitrogen (N), 15–25% for phosphorus (P), and 50–60% for potassium (K).

On farm value addition, the average Gross Value Added (GVA) from agriculture and allied sectors is estimated at approximately ₹2–3 lakh per hectare per year, though this varies widely depending on crops, regions, and market conditions. Horticultural crops typically generate significantly higher value addition per hectare compared to cereals. The Government is actively supporting value addition through key schemes such as:

In 2025 (January–December), total sales of subsidised urea stood at 399.40 lakh metric tonnes (LMT).

ICAR has informed that based on typical Nutrient Use Efficiency (NUE) ranges (N: 30–45%, P: 15–25%, K: 50–60%), a significant portion of applied fertilizers is not immediately utilized by crops. The remaining nutrients may be lost through leaching, volatilization and runoff, or retained in soil as residual or fixed nutrients for subsequent crops.

This information was provided by Smt. Anupriya Patel, MoS for Chemicals & Fertilizers, in a reply to a Unstarred Question in the Rajya Sabha today.

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